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BOYS’ BASKETBALL

LARRY GORDON

Sr., Montclair

Then: Spent a season on the freshman team before earning a varsity spot as a sophomore. Gordon averaged 13 points and 10 rebounds that season, earning second-team All-Mt. Baldy League honors. Improved his averages to 19 points and 12 rebounds last season, earning him first-team honors. He was also a second-team All-Southern Section Division I-AA selection, one of only four non-seniors on the first or second team.

Now: As the lone returning starter, he has led the Cavaliers to a 15-4 record, one victory shy of their total last season, and a 2-0 start in the Mt. Baldy League. A 6-foot-4 wing who also spends a lot of time in the paint, Gordon totaled 56 points and 18 rebounds last week in league victories over Ontario Chaffey and Ontario. On Saturday at the Mt. Baldy/Baseline Challenge, Gordon converted a three-point play with five seconds left to give the Cavaliers a 66-65 victory over Alta Loma.

Quote: “He could probably develop his outside game a little better,” Coach Bill Blades said, “but he’s so good in the post it’s hard not to put him in there.”

Dan Arritt

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GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

SARA YEE

Jr., Fullerton Troy

Then: The freshman personified everything Coach Kevin Kiernan envisioned for a point guard: scrappy, tough, hard-working, selfless. He will tell you it’s no coincidence that Troy won its first state title after Yee’s arrival. She averaged 3.5 points, three steals and 6.2 assists that season and 5.5 points, 3.8 steals and 7.1 assists as a sophomore.

Now: At a scant 5 feet, she’s no taller than when she arrived on campus but is still one of the hardest-working players in the Southland. Often assigned to guard an opponent’s best player -- even when there’s nearly a foot disparity in height -- Yee is the top defender on a team known for its defense. Kiernan called her “the best player on the floor the whole tournament” when Troy won three of four games at the Nike Tournament of Champions in Arizona. This season, Yee is averaging five points, 4.2 steals and 7.3 assists, and has only 14 turnovers in 14 games. Yee and her teammates demolished Brea Olinda, 51-26, on Saturday and get their next big test Monday at No. 13 San Clemente.

Quote: “Statistically, she’ll never be an Ashlee Trebilcock [of Newhall Hart],” Kiernan said, “but she gets it done.”

Martin Henderson

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BOYS’ SOCCER

CHRIS PONTIUS

Sr., Anaheim Servite

Then: Servite’s leading scorer with 10 goals as a sophomore, Pontius played that year despite concern brought on when his father, Richard, was diagnosed with leukemia. “I was thinking about giving it up,” Pontius said. “But he’s a big supporter of my soccer and said I should keep playing.” While Pontius found solace on the playing field, his father underwent aggressive treatment that sent his disease into remission. After reaching the 2003 Southern Section Division I semifinals, the Friars won the Serra League title -- their first since 1984 -- and advanced to the second round of the Division I playoffs. Pontius, who moved from outside halfback to defensive midfielder as a junior, was a first-team all-league pick and an All-Southern Section third-team selection.

Now: Possessed with an excellent touch, field awareness and good speed and strength, Pontius (6-1, 175) is the Friars’ top scorer with 19 goals and two assists. One of two team captains, he excels in the air, often scoring on headed balls at the end of set plays. Servite (12-4-4), ranked No. 8 in Division I, has a key league game today at sixth-ranked Santa Margarita.

Quote: “He usually brings it when we need it,” Coach Mike Lussier said. “He’s a clutch player who doesn’t shy away from competition.”

-- Lauren Peterson